It's a desk life!

Halfway through placement (and I still haven't written a blog post...whoops)! Well here we go - never too late to start.

My name is Anna and I’m working in Social Research at the Welsh Government in Cardiff.

When thinking of what to write about for my first blog a few ideas have been floating around in my brain, varying from the experience of being a country lass living in a big city, to the structure of different levels of government in Wales. I'm still not entirely sure what to focus on, so we'll see where this goes.

At first I found the experience of work rather odd. The simple act of sitting inside, at a desk I struggled with. Ever since I was small I've enjoyed being outside and moving, therefore having to sit down all day was a shock to the system. At school I was always moving between my lessons and the sports pitches, then a couple of years later at uni I was always up and about for lectures and sporting activities. So the first couple of months of my placement, sitting down inside when the sun was shining outside (think my memory may have tainted the picture a bit) were quite difficult. It’s safe to say that I found the adjustment from the student life to the desk life challenging. I decided that I never wanted another desk job and that I was going to be some sort of active/outdoorsy instructor instead.

I have titled this blog post “it’s a desk life”. This is based upon the phrase “it’s a dog’s life”. The meaning of this phrase has changed over recent years. In the past dogs’ lives were unpleasant; they slept outside and lived off scraps. In present times, dogs’ lives are very leisurely; they are pampered, groomed and come and go as they please. The transformation in the meaning of this phrase is somewhat representative of my experience of the desk life at the Welsh Government.

At first, I found it uncomfortable and unpleasant, however now I’m very happy with it – I’m even considering abandoning my prospects as an outdoors instructor to pursue a career in a desk based occupation, quite the turnaround. I feel very comfortable sat at my desk cracking on with tasks and projects.

The key to this change was not external like it was for dogs, my improved circumstances have been solely due to internal factors. I have adjusted to the new way of life and have grown used to it – I am very content with the desk life.

The original phrase originated in the 1600s when dogs’ lives were at their worst, so if I were a dog I’d say I’d be living in the late 20th century. I get to sleep inside and get fed everyday, but I haven’t made it up onto the sofa or bed. But I think that’s pretty good going.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my first blog post, it’s just a little insight into one of the several challenges I’ve faced so far this year. I’m sure there will be many more but as a result I’ll be so much better equipped for all that life throws at me.

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